Former UFC heavyweight champion Josh Barnett will become the first mixed martial artist in Nevada to undergo WADA-certified random drug testing, and the UFC will foot the bill.

Barnett (33-6 MMA, 5-1 UFC) was today ordered by the Nevada State Athletic Commission to submit himself to random testing up until his UFC 168 bout with Travis Browne (15-1-1 MMA, 6-1-1 UFC) – as well as to commission-administered random drug testing throughout the entirety of 2014 – as a condition of his latest license to fight in the state.

At today’s NSAC hearing, officials also approved a license for 35-year-old Josh Koscheck and 36-year-old Chael Sonnen. Although no issues were anticipated with either fighter, the state gives more scrutiny to athletes who are 35 or older. However, Barnett’s history with the commission left him subject to additional review.

Koscheck and Sonnen, who both compete at UFC 167 on Nov. 16 at Las Vegas’ MGM Grand Garden Arena, both phoned in to the meeting and were approved rather quickly. Meanwhile, Barnett and his attorneys appeared in person as the 16-year veteran addressed in detail his previous failed post-fight drug tests in Nevada in 2001 and 2002, as well as a 2009 pre-fight test in California.

According to a motion originally suggested by commissioner T.J. Lundvall and officially introduced by Skip Avansino, Barnett will be “subjected to enhanced, intensive, weekly testing by the WADA lab at the expense of Mr. Barnett or UFC and that he also be subjected to random testing by the Nevada State Athletic Commission through Dec. 31, 2014 to be paid by him or the UFC.” The motion was unanimously approved, and the random testing will be applied whether or not Barnett fights in Nevada in 2014.

Barnett maintained that the failed 2001 and 2002 tests were due to the use of supplements that were later reclassified as anabolic steroids while contending the 2009 test was likely due to contaminated supplements. “The Warmaster” said he now largely avoids supplements due to the past issues and does not ever intend to petition the commission for a therapeutic-use exemption for testosterone replacement therapy, despite his age.

He also maintained there would be no further excuses moving forward.

“I understand the prohibited list, and that’s what’s necessary,” Barnett said. “I have to put it in my mouth, in my body. … No one’s giving me anything under the table and putting things in my system. This is my responsibility.”

UFC executive Marc Ratner also attended the meeting and confirmed the promotion would be willing to foot the bill for all additional testing.

Barnett was already tested by the commission on Oct. 15 and submitted a clean sample.

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) was established in 1999 as in independent agency dedicated to towards “a vision of a world where all athletes compete in a doping-free sporting environment.” WADA has established a World Anti-Doping Code that includes international standards widely viewed as the most comprehensive in sport and include an athlete providing his whereabouts at all times so that doping tests can be conducted without prior notice..

There are currently two WADA-accredited labs in the U.S., one located in Los Angeles and another in Salt Lake City.

ALBANY, N.Y. – MMAjunkie is on scene and reporting live from today’s UFC Fight Night 102 event at Times Union Center in Albany, N.Y., which kicks off at 5:45 p.m. ET (2:45 p.m. PT). You can discuss the event here.

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